Robert Patrick Ruffe
Robert Patrick Ruffe, 90, formerly of Lopatcong Twp., passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Country Meadows Assisted Living in Bethlehem, PA. Born on March 17, 1935, in Brooklyn, NY, he was the beloved son of the late Lee Roy and Elizabeth (Maxwell) Ruffe.
He was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Mary (Devine) Ruffe, who also hailed from Brooklyn. Their love story began on a blind date arranged by friends, and they were married in 1958. Together, they celebrated 64 wonderful years of marriage until her passing in 2023. Bob will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
A faithful member of St. Mary’s Parish in Alpha, NJ, Bob served as a Eucharistic Minister and was an Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus. His commitment to his faith was a significant part of his life.
Bob’s education began at St. George’s Academy in Manhattan, NY. After serving in the Army and returning home in 1957, he launched a successful career that began with Household Finance Corp as a branch manager. He later joined American Express, where he retired in 1990 as the Vice President of World Wide Credit Control.
In addition to his parents and his beloved wife Mary, Bob was predeceased by his siblings: Roy, John, William, Eileen Patterson, and Jean Sweeney. He is survived by his sister Patricia Halloran of Florida, as well as his loving children: Catherine Bergh and her husband Paul of Houston, TX; Robert Ruffe and his wife Irene of Douglasville, PA; Paul Ruffe and his wife Kathleen of North Brunswick, NJ; Kevin Ruffe and his wife Doreen of Perkasie, PA; and Tara Pfreundschuh and her husband Peter of Pittstown, NJ. Bob’s legacy continues through his 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
His family and friends will forever cherish the memories of Bob, whose warmth, kindness, and unwavering love will leave a lasting impression on all who knew him.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 6pm to 8pm at the Finegan Funeral Home, 924 2nd Ave., Alpha, NJ 08865. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 10am. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 830 5th Ave., Alpha, NJ. 08865. Interment will follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Annandale, NJ. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Bob to St. Mary Catholic Church, Alpha, NJ www.stmaryrc.org or New Jersey Right to Life www.njrtl.org.